Paul Pogba to stay at Juventus despite horrific return season

It’s been far from a dream Juventus reunion for Paul Pogba following his underwhelming six-year stint at Manchester United.

Considering his lengthy spell on the sidelines and the club’s off-field troubles relating to well-documented legal issues, speculation of the France international’s early departure has recently made the headlines.

However, according to Calciomercato, the skilful playmaker has no intention of waving goodbye to Turin at the end of the season as he’s already decided to stay put beyond the summer.

After leaving Old Trafford as a free agent, carrying a tag as one of the Red Devils’ worst signings in the 21st century (given his cost), the Frenchman was hopeful of getting his career back on track in familiar surroundings.

Pogba’s first spell at the Allianz Stadium was a resounding success as he helped the club win four consecutive Serie A titles en route to earning a mega-money return to Man United.

Despite penning a multi-year contract without healing his long-term knee problem, the 30-year-old was expected to become the cornerstone of Massimiliano Allegri’s midfielder in 2022/23.

But nothing has gone according to plan as the 2018 World Cup winner is still waiting for his first league start for Juventus after only recently recovering from a series of injury setbacks.

Pogba has shown some flashes of brilliance in his first back-to-back appearances for the Bianconeri this term, including a crucial assist in Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw against Sevilla.

His return to form could be crucial, with Juventus still battling on multiple fronts despite recently bowing out of the Coppa Italia semi-finals at the hands of Inter Milan.

While focusing their strength and energy on landing their first Europa League title since 1992/93, the record-time Italian champions cannot take their eye off a keenly-contested top-four race in Serie A.

Although they boast a five-point lead on fifth-placed AC Milan after the court abolished their 15-point deduction, Allegri’s men cannot rest easy, with four games left until the end of the season.

Creativity has been Juventus’ most challenging problem in 2022/23, but if Pogba can hit his stride down the final stretch, the Bianconeri should weather the storm in Serie A and potentially reach the podium in Europe.